I am looking to hook a small motor up to a manual crank knitting machine. Any suggestions or advice on how to best drive it with a small motor?

Could i just purchase a gear that fits directly to the drive on the motor and drive the crank linearly? Then add a power supply (18v drill batteries), shutoff switch, and possibly a potentiometer to control speed?

I would like to 3D print an enclosure for everything as well once i decide how to go about this. I have already 3d printed a part with a 3/8" driver that goes around the hand crank and allows a portable drill to turn it.

All ideas are welcome. Thanks in advance!